House Republicans are facing "embarrassment" and the potential for defeat in next year's elections if the ongoing chaos surrounding the speakership continues, according to Republican pollster and strategist Frank Luntz.
Last week, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was removed as speaker after Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) filed a motion to vacate the chair, leading to a vote in the House on whether to oust him. The measure succeeded with the support of eight Republicans and 208 Democrats.
This week, Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) was nominated for the job by the Republican conference, but he lacked the necessary broad Republican support to secure a majority in the full House. On Friday, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) was nominated, but he is currently about 50 votes short.
Luntz discussed the situation on CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip, where he revealed that House Republicans are feeling "embarrassment, disappointment, and frustration" over the dysfunction in Congress. He emphasized that voters are expressing their dissatisfaction and warned that Republicans will face consequences in the upcoming elections if they fail to resolve the issue.
Phillip raised the possibility of Republicans seeking alternative paths, such as working with Democrats, to address the leadership vacuum. Luntz acknowledged the need for cooperation but highlighted the challenge of finding individuals who prioritize people over politics. He noted that the deep divisions in Washington reflect the broader divisions in America, with the public demanding an end to the gridlock.
The ongoing chaos surrounding the speakership is causing significant concern among House Republicans. Luntz's remarks underscore the urgency for the party to unite and find a solution. The potential consequences in the next elections loom large, making it imperative for Republicans to address the dysfunction and work towards effective leadership.
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